Technology Learning, Technology Strategy and Competitive Pressures

This thesis analyses innovation and technology strategy within a primary industry, notably the upstream oil and gas industry. Industries that exploit and produce finite natural resources are challenged by specific external risks that do not receive much attention from management literature otherwise, especially with regard to organizational innovation behaviour, and thus merit such research focus. On one hand, primary sector firms are confronted with exhaustible nature of finite natural resources. On the other hand, those finite natural resources are fixed to certain locations and companies have to operate in numerous countries in order to exploit resource deposits. In this context, they are often confronted with tremendous socio-political constraints that may have a negative impact on their businesses. This research work raises questions specific to natural resource based industries, notably (1) how can firms defend or even expand their competitive position when they are challenged by the depletion of their core resources? How can firms compensate for an exhaustible resource? (2) How do we evaluate contingencies like political risk for competitive advantage and what role does innovation play in this context? This dissertation takes the format of a "compilation thesis", in this case, three compiled articles. Within the first paper we focus on the resource based view (RBV), a central theoretical approach in management science, which explains how unique firm resources and capabilities contribute to value creation and lead to sustained competitive advantage. We1 apply the assumptions of RBV to the context of finite natural resources and ask if its analytical power is sufficient to explain competitive advantage of companies active in the primary sector, such as hydrocarbon and ore production. Paper 2 analyses how firms respond to geophysical constraints, such as natural resource depletion, and how these depletion issues affect organizational capability building and operational performance in terms of resource exploration and recovery. Paper 3 asks if political risk as external threat influences firm technology and innovation strategies. We find that time horizons of political risk play an important role and analyse why mid-and long term threats positively influence the development of technology and innovation strategies. The dissertation makes several important contributions. First, it contributes to our understanding of innovation and technology strategy within a natural resource based industry. Second, the idea that finite natural resources with their exhaustible nature are different than the "usual" resources investigated by RBV is novel. Third, the analysis also shows how RBV applies to natural resources extracting industries, and how RBV would gain in explicatory power if it was able to integrate factors like "geophysical constraints" and 'exposure to political risk' into the approach. Fourth, the thesis applies RBV and capability approaches to the specific context of primary industries, which is important as it helps to extend the frameworks' usefulness. Fifth, the current thesis combines political risk theory and research on innovation and technology management, and answers why political risk influences firm strategies, differentiation, and entry into new fields. ______________________________ 1 I am going to use the personal pronoun "we" to refer to first person's actions or opinions in this paper. I do so because I want to acknowledge the contributory effort of all who provided ideas and support. Nevertheless, any errors and omissions are completely my own responsibility.

The paper investigates theoretical, methodological, and analytical aspects of the development of the companies’ technology strategy, which should be considered in the general set of strategies for company development. The basic approaches are taken as a basis for research of essence of technological strategy, particularly complex structural, process, effective, others, are generalized. The interrelationships of technological and other strategies of the enterprise are revealed. Methodical provisions on the research of features of technology strategy which approbation took place based on studying of experience of strategic management of technological development of the electronic engineering companies are offered. The influence of key factors in forming technology strategy, namely, capital investment, R&D expenditures, corporate culture, and others, has also been established. Several innovative mechanisms for the development of the company's personnel are proposed, the potential of which is the basis of technological development, and therefore should be reflected in the technology strategy.

Alborz Steel Company to survive needs the reality-based management which analyze all opportunities and threats, strengths and weaknesses of organization. Due to the successes and importance of reality-based management in the event of providing the required background for the most effectiveness of human resources in this company, this research in purpose of determining the effect of reality-based management on the effectiveness of human resources in Alborz Company considered to collect and survey the ideas of the sample include 54 persons among managers and experts of Alborz Company with more than three years work experience.Methodology:Presented research can be counted as kind of descriptive survey researches in terms of grouping the researches based on data collection method. And also according to grouping the researches based on purpose, presented research is in group of applied research. Methods of collecting information are both library and field methods. For collecting the data related to the literature of subject and research background library studies were used. At field method questionnaire was used to collect data as the instrument. In section of data analyzing the data, the data had obtained from performing the questionnaires were analyzed in two descriptive and inferential sections using the SPSS software. In descriptive section the operation related to demographics information of people in sample was done through the SPSS software. Tables and charts include mean, frequency, cumulative percentage, and … also were used in that section. In inferential section, first the Kolmogorov-Smirnove test was used in order to survey the population distribution. Testing the research hypotheses were done by correlation and non-linear regression tests.Results:After collecting data and analyzing their findings, all minor hypotheses were accepted and also research main hypothesis were tested and accepted,so it can be said that: the reality-based management effects on effectiveness of human resources in Alborz Steel Company. Conclusion:Finally, it is suggested; giving any kind of financial reward or acting increases in salaries and wages of employees according to result of evaluation of employees' performance or observing expected behaviors during the specific period (preferably long time), and using the plans like "reward plan".

Marketing and technology strategy in a “medium-tech” startup

This paper mainly studied about the emotional intelligence and its impact of technology learning on job performance. Only little research related to the influence of emotional intelligence on technology learning. As a result, this research focuses on exploring the impact of both emotional intelligence intrapersonal and interpersonal dimensions on technology learning levels, including the basic, average, advanced, and world-class levels. Technology learning is acquiring new knowledge, behaviours, skills, values, preferences, and understanding, and it may involve synthesising different types of information. That can be retained and used when needed. The need for technology learning stems from the fact that technological knowledge options available to a firm represent a critical factor in shaping the firm’s technological strategy in the light of the exploitable opportunities and the technological threats it may face in the future.

The questions raised in the study have practical significance, since the formulation of a development strategy is especially important for enterprises operating in dynamic markets with uncertain parameters of the external environment, as it requires flexibility in the formulation of strategies.The company's development strategy as a fundamental component of the company's activity, its importance and role in the company's activity, as well as the types of company's development strategies were studied.The article examines and analyzes the main basic strategies of enterprise development: production, financial, marketing, innovation, functional and personnel management strategies. Their advantages and disadvantages in the application in the activities of enterprises are considered.The company's development strategy is considered as an effective business concept, which is complemented by a number of practical actions leading to the achievement of real competitive advantages that can support this concept for a long time. The considered development strategy clearly defines the perspective of the company's development and its position on the market.It should be noted that the company's development strategy is determined on the basis of studying the external environment and possible internal prospects of its activity and taking into account unforeseen market conditions. The company's strategy should always be combined with planned and thought-out behavior and the ability to cope with everything new. At the same time, such a strategy should be flexible, so that appropriate adjustments can be made to increase or maintain the effective operation of the enterprise.It has been studied that there is no single strategy for an enterprise, and each strategy of an enterprise, even of one industry, is special, therefore individual determination of the directions of an enterprise's strategy depends on its potential and the size of the enterprise.

Integrating business and technology strategies in developing countries

Digital transformation has brought significant changes to various aspects of life, including the field of education. However, there is still a gap in the literature regarding the role and strategies of digital technology specifically in Arabic language learning. This article aims to analyze the existing literature on the role and strategies of digital technology in enhancing the process of learning the Arabic language. Through a literature review method, this article explores various previous studies and research discussing the implementation of digital technology in Arabic language learning and evaluates its impact on the effectiveness of learning. The analysis shows that the use of digital technology, such as learning applications, e-learning platforms, and interactive tools, can increase students' motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes in Arabic language learning. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed, such as the lack of technological infrastructure and digital skills among educators. Recommendations for strategies to optimize the use of digital technology in Arabic language learning in the future, including the development of digital-based curricula, training and professional development for educators, technological infrastructure and accessibility, development of interactive learning resources, collaboration between schools and technology providers, regular evaluation and monitoring, and enhancement of students' digital skills.

Digital transformation has brought significant changes to various aspects of life, including the field of education. However, there is still a gap in the literature regarding the role and strategies of digital technology specifically in Arabic language learning. This article aims to analyze the existing literature on the role and strategies of digital technology in enhancing the process of learning the Arabic language. Through a literature review method, this article explores various previous studies and research discussing the implementation of digital technology in Arabic language learning and evaluates its impact on the effectiveness of learning. The analysis shows that the use of digital technology, such as learning applications, e-learning platforms, and interactive tools, can increase students' motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes in Arabic language learning. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed, such as the lack of technological infrastructure and digital skills among educators. Recommendations for strategies to optimize the use of digital technology in Arabic language learning in the future, including the development of digital-based curricula, training and professional development for educators, technological infrastructure and accessibility, development of interactive learning resources, collaboration between schools and technology providers, regular evaluation and monitoring, and enhancement of students' digital skills.

This paper introduces the evolutionary process of technological innovation and technology management in Chinese enterprises since 1949. First, the transition of corporate management and technology management in China is introduced in comparison to Western-style management. Then, based on the historical description and case studies, the typical technology development process, especially the processes of technological acquisition, learning and secondary innovation in Chinese enterprises, is analyzed. The integration between technology acquisition and in-house design and R&D is emphasized. The authors suggest that "assimilation and self-design upon imported technology" (3-I policy) is the suitable and vital technology development avenue for most Chinese firms. To accomplish such a technological avenue, coordination, which exists between product innovation and process innovation, corporate strategy and technology strategy, and technology evolution and organizational change must be organized well and dynamically. As Chinese firms face more severe competition than ever, more attention should be paid to the development of indigenous capabilities for technological innovation. The firms' innovation system (FIS), which emphasizes the infrastructure support for a firms entrepreneurship, R&D system, and organization, as well as high-talent personnel, should be established or improved. Thus, technology strategy and the technological innovation system are currently the two key issues of management of technology (MOT) in China and will continue to be into the coming century.

National foresight in science and technology strategy development

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have problems such as talent disconnection and insufficient scientific innovation in the process of development. This study tries to construct a scientific and technological development strategy based on the SWOT matrix model to enhance the core competitiveness of SMEs. This paper elaborates on the theory of enterprise strategic management and the theory of core competitiveness. Based on this, it unfolds from the perspective of SWOT matrix model, assesses in depth the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and existing threats of SMEs’ implementation of science and technology development strategies from multiple aspects, and proposes corresponding growth, offensive, reversal and defensive optimization development strategies. Help enterprises discard the outdated development strategy framework, seize opportunities, and escape the threat of danger. Construct a perfect model for the development of science and technology. In order to ensure the effectiveness of the strategy implementation, the application of the strategy for AB Enterprises was analyzed. During the years of implementing the S&T development strategy, AB Enterprise’s S&T development strategy implementation effectiveness score increased by about 1.5 times from 2015 to 2023, proving that the S&T development strategy is applicable to the enterprise and can contribute to its development. The number of employees with lower education below bachelor’s degree in the enterprise is gradually replacing those with higher education, which increases the enterprise’s scientific and technological innovation capacity accordingly. At the same time, the enterprise production cost is greatly reduced, but the rate of production of products is greatly increased, which verifies that science and technology is the first productive force, grasp the SWOT matrix model of science and technology development strategy is conducive to the development of the enterprise.

Relevance. The research article holds relevance in educational contexts by emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and empathy among younger students through problem-solving approaches. Purpose. The research article aims to cultivate critical thinking, self-discipline, and creativity in younger students by leveraging communication technologies and educational strategies based on B.S. Bloom's taxonomy, with a focus on enhancing speech activities and language proficiency in primary school education. Methodology. The experiment was conducted in the conditions of a natural pedagogical process on the basis of a pilot school for the introduction of updated educational content. The experiment involved 118 third grade students. Both the control and experimental groups consisted of 59 students, with an equal number in each group. Results. The research article demonstrates the efficacy of utilizing communication technologies for developing speech activity in younger students through various learning strategies, such as self-managed, experimental, critical, and contextual strategies. The implementation of communicative learning technologies in primary school language teaching enhances students' speech skills, fosters critical thinking, and promotes autonomous decision-making, leading to significant improvements in speech activity and overall academic performance. Conclusions. Learning strategies in communication technologies play a decisive role in promoting the development of not only speech activity, but also all cognitive aspects of elementary school students. The functions of communication technologies contribute to the harmonious speech development of the linguistic personality, and the use of various techniques allows consolidating the acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities of primary school students. Keywords: learning technology; student; reflection; occupation; knowledge

This study aims to determine the importance of management science and company operational standardization that is applied, to know a good and correct company development strategy in accordance with operational standards of company development strategy at UD. AQMARINA. This type of research is descriptive research with a qualitative approach where the data obtained from a UD. AQMARINA in the form of observation, interviews and literature study. The data used is primary data, where the data is processed from interview data of company owners and publications. The results of this study state that the importance of management knowledge and company operational standards for strategy development is very necessary, this is because the process of organizing something is done by a group of people ororganizationto achieve these goals by working together to utilize the available resources by developing strategies. The standardization of company operations that is applied to this company is very standard, therefore it is necessary to have guidelines on the company's operational system so that it can run the company optimally. A good and correct company development strategy according to operational standards, this is done to get quality human resources with skills, work abilities, and job loyalty to a company or organization. The company's development strategy is not only skill development but also products produced in the form of product variants which are of course creative and innovative.

O domínio da Tecnologia Industrial Básica - TIB - (metrologia, normalização e avaliação da conformidade) não é somente um requisito para a competitividade de uma empresa por possibilitar que esta produza em conformidade com as normas internacionais, mas é também uma condição necessária para a efetiva acumulação de capacidades tecnológicas e a busca da inovação tecnológica. Na literatura especializada, raros são os estudos que analisam a função da TIB no processo de aprendizagem tecnológica. Este trabalho se propõe a preencher essa lacuna ao propor um modelo para avaliar e projetar as relações dinâmicas entre TIB e capacidade tecnológica. Esse modelo permite cotejar os mecanismos utilizados em cada um dos estágios de capacitação em TIB com os processos organizacionais adotados por empresas situadas nos diferentes níveis de capacitação tecnológica identificados na literatura. A coleta de dados foi feita por um survey, que envolveu uma amostra de 103 empresas do setor metal-mecânico. Concluiu-se que há uma forte relação entre o nível de capacitação em TIB e o nível de capacitação tecnológica das empresas. Em outras palavras, o desenvolvimento da capacitação em TIB é uma pré-condição para o desenvolvimento da capacitação tecnológica das empresas.